Study on magnet schools yields mixed results for student achievement
 

A new study from the American Institutes for Research (AIR) examines nine years of data on elementary schools that converted to magnet schools to boost student achievement and increase demographic diversity. As defined on the U.S. Department of Education website, a magnet school is a public elementary or secondary school or public elementary or secondary education center that offers a special curriculum capable of attracting substantial numbers of students of different racial backgrounds.
 

The AIR study compared the performances of 21 magnet schools to other schools in their districts, and to other public schools that did not convert to magnet schools, to isolate any effect the conversion may have had on any changes. Overall, findings showed limited evidence that the magnet schools were successful in increasing diversity, and inconclusive evidence of increased student achievement.

Johns Hopkins University 

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